Vast growth and innovation creates huge opportunities for sensor developers

With the increasing popularity of automatous vehicles there is a requirement for improved safety of vehicles and occupants. This need is opening markets for more advanced automotive sensor technology. As well as optimising driver and passenger comfort, integrating sensors and actuators into the control systems of these vehicles increases the reliability and durability. There are many sensor applications which are showing promise including traffic sign recognition, collision warning, night vision, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, parking assistance, lane departure warning, blind spot detection and pedestrian detection.

The report author, research analyst, Varun Babu from Frost and Sullivan TechVision, observed: “Sensor systems are also used in smart wearables to monitor driver fatigue and alertness by monitoring the driver’s head position, eyelid movement, body posture, or vital signs such as heart rate or blood pressure and alcohol levels. The sensors enable the vehicle to gather information from its surroundings and help anticipate the obstacles, raising the driving experience from Level 0 to Level 5.”

The report, Innovations in Automotive Sensors, is part of the company’s Sensors and Instrumentation Growth Partnership Subscription. This study has analysed some of the ground-breaking emerging sensor technologies that can energize the automotive sector. Some of the key sensing technologies featured in the research includes touch, image, gesture recognition, pressure, inertial, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer, giant magnetoresistance (GMR), anisotropic magneto-resistive (AMR), biometric sensors and gyros.

While powering many products and applications, the technology has several inherent accuracy and reliability issues. Through further advancements these issues will be ironed out, and automotive participants will replace all diagnostic devices and bulky testing with sleeker products employing miniaturized sensors.

Automotive manufacturers will, additionally, be keen on comprehensive solutions using different sensing technologies and sensor fusion. Autonomous vehicle manufacturers will be keen to partner with sensor companies that enable functions including 3D vision depth and wireless communication.

“Sensors that can measure parameters ranging from vehicle angular rate and navigation to passenger safety will revolutionize automotive applications,” noted Varun Babu. “Already, advancements are being made in engine operation mechanisms and power control system technologies to meet emission standards. Lastly, the insistent demand for vehicles with high mileage will further stoke R&D in sensor technologies.”